September 07

Giuseppe Gioachino Belli was born in Rome in 1791 and grew up amidst the vibrant streets of the Eternal City. He became renowned for his sharp, humorous sonnets written in Romanesco, the local dialect of Rome. Over his lifetime, Belli composed more than 2,000 poems that satirized politics, religion, and the daily life of the Roman populace. His vivid imagery and biting social commentary captured the spirit of 19th-century Rome under Papal rule. Although his work gained limited attention during his lifetime, later critics recognized his influence on Italian literature and dialect poetry. Belli died in 1863, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its linguistic inventiveness and cultural depth.

John William Polidori was born in 1795 and trained as a physician, earning his medical degree at the University of Edinburgh. In 1816, he accompanied Lord Byron as his personal physician and took part in the famous summer gathering at Villa Diodati. Inspired by the storytelling competition at the villa, Polidori wrote 'The Vampyre', the first modern vampire story in English literature. His novella prefigured later works like Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' and established enduring tropes of the genre. Despite his medical training, Polidori struggled with personal and financial difficulties and published few works beyond his famed novella. He died tragically in 1821 at the age of 25, leaving a lasting impact on gothic fiction and vampire lore.

Born in 1813 in what is now Poland, Emil Korytko became an ardent supporter of Slavic cultural heritage. He moved to the Slovene Lands and immersed himself in local folklore, collecting and translating folk songs and stories. Korytko's translations introduced Polish and broader European audiences to Slovenian cultural traditions. He collaborated with prominent Slovene intellectuals and contributed to early ethnographic studies in the region. Despite his early death at the age of 26, his work laid a foundation for later ethnographic and folkloric research. Korytko's passion for cultural activism made him a notable figure in 19th-century Slavic intellectual circles.

Tristan Bernard (1866–1947) was a prolific French writer known for sharp humor and social satire. He penned dozens of plays, including the popular comedy "Le Dindon," still performed today. As a journalist for Le Figaro, he wrote columns filled with ironic observations and epigrams. Bernard also indulged his passion for sports, founding a cycling and tennis club in Neuilly-sur-Seine. His witty aphorisms and stories were published in numerous volumes, influencing French literary humor. He remained active in French cultural life until his death in 1947.

Born in 1870, Kuprin trained as a pilot and embarked on exploratory flights across remote regions of Russia. He chronicled these daring journeys in detailed journals that captivated early aviation enthusiasts. Transitioning to literature, Kuprin authored numerous adventure novels and short stories inspired by his airborne exploits. His works combined factual accounts with vivid storytelling, influencing readers fascinated by the spirit of exploration. Kuprin's legacy endures through his contributions to both aviation history and Russian literature.

Born Clarence Michael James Dennis in 1876, he adopted the pen name C. J. Dennis and captured the essence of Australian slang in his poetry. His bestselling work "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" offered a charming portrayal of everyday characters and mateship. Dennis's verse resonated with readers nationwide, celebrating larrikinism and the up-country spirit. He edited literary journals, promoted Australian writing, and toured with theatrical performances of his poems. His influence on Australia's cultural identity endures through his playful and heartfelt verse.

Born in 1885 in New Jersey, Wylie became part of New York's literary circle in the early 20th century. Her debut poetry collection earned praise for its elegance and emotional depth. She published novels such as "Angels and Earthly Creatures," blending poetic language with narrative flair. Wylie's personal life, marked by high society scandals, often paralleled the dramatic themes of her work. Despite her untimely death at age 42, her poetry influenced the development of modernist verse in America.

Born in 1887, Sitwell was the eldest of the famed Sitwell siblings, known for their collective impact on 20th-century literature. She experimented with musical rhythms and archaic language, creating works like "Façade" set to music by William Walton. Her dramatic public readings and distinctive appearance made her a memorable figure in London's literary salons. Sitwell also wrote critical essays on poetry and the arts, shaping contemporary literary taste. Her contributions earned her numerous honors and cemented her role as a pioneer of modernist poetry.

Jacques Vaché was born in 1895 in Lorient, France, and became a close friend of André Breton. During World War I, his irreverent letters and avant-garde outlook profoundly influenced the emerging Surrealist movement. He authored few formal works but maintained a journal of observations that circulated among his circle. Vaché's disdain for traditional values and embrace of spontaneity inspired key Surrealist concepts. His untimely death in 1919 from an accidental overdose made him a symbol of rebellion and artistic freedom. André Breton dedicated the first Surrealist Manifesto to his memory, cementing his posthumous influence.

Taylor Caldwell was born in Manchester, England, in 1900 and moved to the United States as a child. She published her first novel in 1929 and became one of the most popular historical novelists of the 20th century. Her books, such as 'I, Judas' and 'The Earth Is the Lord’s,' explored themes of faith, power, and human resilience. Caldwell's meticulous research and rich storytelling earned her best-seller status worldwide. Over her career, she wrote more than 30 novels, many translated into numerous languages. She maintained a private life and rarely appeared in public before her death in 1985.

Margaret Landon was born in 1903 in Siam (now Thailand) to American missionary parents. She spent her early years immersed in Thai culture before returning to the United States for education. In 1944, she published 'Anna and the King of Siam,' a novel based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into the Broadway musical 'The King and I.' Landon wrote several other works exploring Southeast Asian history and missionary life. She continued writing and lecturing until her death in 1993, leaving a lasting legacy in historical fiction.

Dorothy Marie Donnelly was an American poet and author active in the mid-20th century. She published several collections of poetry that explored themes of nature, love, and introspection. Her work appeared in prominent literary magazines and earned her recognition among contemporary poets. In addition to poetry, she wrote short stories and essays that showcased her lyrical prose style. Donnelly's writing is celebrated for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and musicality of language. She influenced a generation of writers through both her publications and her mentorship of emerging poets.